(FIRSTREAD.NBCNEWS) — The self-described Atlanta-based "oppo researcher" who helped broker the release of the secret video that has rocked the Romney campaign got a congratulatory email today from his famous grandfather -- former President Jimmy Carter.
James Carter IV told NBC News in an interview that, starting late last month, he tracked down the source who took the secret Romney video via Twitter -- and then in a series of messages encouraged him to release the full tape to Mother Jones magazine.
After emailing his grandfather the magazine's story about the tape -- under the subject, "Huge campaign news," and calling it "my biggest story yet" -- the former president wrote back at 7:16 am Tuesday: "James: This is extraordinary. Congratulations! Papa."